Advancing local solutions: KACo hosting in-person opioid training July 29 | | In this video, KACo Opioid Settlement Advisor Lauren Carr previews our next opioid solutions training event scheduled for Tuesday, July 29 at KACo Headquarters. This session will include a site visit to Recovery Café Frankfort, allowing participants to see community-based recovery efforts in action. | | | | Six county-led programs receive NACo Achievement Awards for innovation | |
The Bullitt County Attorney's Office, Cumberland County, Hardin County, the Jefferson County Clerk's Office, the Jefferson County PVA and Scott County are nationally recognized for innovative programming.
Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.
| | | | Webinar recap: Senate Bill 63 special purpose street legal vehicles | |
On the heels of its passage during the 2025 Regular Session, Senate Bill 63 became effective last month, allowing street-legal special purpose vehicles on highways within county jurisdictions pending the adoption of a local ordinance.
KACo hosted a webinar on July 9 that provided a comprehensive overview of the legislation, featuring key insights from Sen. Brandon Storm (R-Laurel), Anderson County Clerk Jason Denny and KACo Attorney Rich Ornstein.
| | | | Featured training next week - Local Assistance Road Program (LARP) | Join KACo and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on July 17 at 11 a.m. for an informative webinar tailored for county officials to learn about the newly established Local Assistance Road Program (LARP), which replaces the County Priority Projects Program (CPPP). This webinar will feature a detailed explanation of LARP, including a live demonstration of the revised application process. | | | | Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky |
- Ky. sheriff concerned that ATV/UTV accidents will increase as new law takes effect
- Learn all about local government during the 2025 Campbell County Citizens’ Academy
- Fiscal Court discusses flood preparedness
- County embarks on jail expansion study
- Eastern Kentucky awarded millions to improve damaged infrastructure
- Franklin County offers buyout program for flood-damaged homes
- Carroll pool to remain closed for repairs, upgrades
- Trimble broadband project awaiting pole permits
| | | | Get prepared for the new opioid reporting system for local governments | KACo is offering a virtual training opportunity on the new local government opioid settlement reporting portal that will launch on July 1, 2025. Representatives from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will cover portal navigation, reporting requirements and best practices. | |
Date: July 22, 2025
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
| | | | 2025 Wrap VR System – Train the Trainer (makeup class) | A new virtual reality training system called the WRAP system is now available for sheriffs and jailers. Any department requesting to utilize the WRAP system must send at least one trainer to a mandatory training class at KACo. This one-day training will include WRAP operation overview, safety, legal review, knowledge base and tactics, scenario review, scenario coaching and testing and documentation. | |
Date: July 23, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET
Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort
Cost: Free
| | | | Advancing local solutions: Best practices for opioid settlement implementation | This one-day, in-person training is designed to support county leaders and stakeholders in maximizing the impact of opioid settlement funds through proven local strategies. The training includes an immersive visit and lunch at Recovery Café Frankfort to see community-based recovery in action. | |
Date: July 29, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET
Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort
Cost: $25 member/$35 non-member
| | | | Ethics, open records and open meetings for county officials | Join KACo staff attorney Rich Ornstein for a practical and informative half-day training focused on the ethical and legal responsibilities of county officials. This session will cover the core principles of local government ethics codes, compliance with Kentucky’s Open Records and Open Meetings Acts, and best practices for maintaining transparency and accountability in local government. | |
Date: Aug. 5, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET
Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort
Cost: $30 member/$45 non-member
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Date: Sept. 23, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT
Location: Green River Area Development District, Owensboro
Cost: $30 member/$45 non-member
| | Boyle County Judge/Executive Trille Bottom presents a special commendation to Sheriff Taylor Bottom and Fire Marshal Scott Lawson for their heroism saving a 3-year old child following the May 30 tornado that touched down in Springfield. | | Local children recently visited the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and participated in a random act of kindness delivery. | | Officer Tim Hogan was sworn in by Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann as sergeant for the sheriff’s department. | | Jessamine County Deputy David Cartwright oversees a garden program at the jail. Cartwright and the inmates recently won multiple ribbons at the Jessamine County Fair including Grand Champion for a head of cabbage and first place for onions. | | Powell County Judge/Executive Eddie Barnes's office, along with the local animal shelter, are selling annual pet tags/licenses for $5 with proceeds going to the shelter. Golden retriever, Brad, and his owner stopped by Barnes' office to purchase a tag. | | Graves County Sheriff's Department participated in the Independence Day Fancy Farm Parade. | | Hardin County EMS Department Head Mark Peterson and the EMS team received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Achievement Award, a national recognition for outstanding commitment to excellence in pre-hospital emergency stroke, chest pain and cardiac care. | | Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith swore in Wes Lanham as the newest commissioner to the Taylor County Tourist Commission. Lanham previously served as manager at Green River Lake State Park for nearly a decade. | | Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore rode in an Independence Day parade with his wife, Linda. | | Robertson County Tourism won first place for Best Float in the county Independence Day parade. | | Woodford County Magistrate Liles Taylor attended the county Independence Day parade. | | Members of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office participate in the Independence Day parade. | | Stronger Counties. Stronger Kentucky. | | | | |
